Volume One: First Signs of Brilliance Chapter Thirty-Six: Me? Of Course I Wouldn't Dare

All afternoon, Luoshui seemed lost in her own world, not paying attention to the lessons, staring blankly into space, as though wrapped in thoughts no one else could reach.

Wang Jue did not disturb her. He simply sat quietly at his desk, watching the leaves outside the window as the wind stirred them, while the voices of his desk mate and nearby classmates drifted to his ears.

“Heard that Liu Yuhui’s already caught the eye of one of the top hundred high schools. No telling yet which one he’ll choose.” Wang Jue’s desk mate, a chubby fellow named Lin Yuan, was well-liked in the class and could strike up conversation with anyone.

Chatting with Lin Yuan was Jin Xin, nicknamed “Four Golds” by the class. He had protested the moniker fiercely at first, but resistance was futile; under the collective pressure of the majority, he had to accept it with tears in his eyes.

“So what?” Four Golds’ voice brimmed with longing. “I heard from students in other classes this morning that our school’s Huang Jian has already been recruited by one of the top three schools, Yunhai. Apparently, he doesn’t even need to take the entrance exams this time. I envy him so much—same age as us, but his abilities are leagues ahead.”

Who would have thought that besides Luoshui, who’d caught the attention of the military academy, Liu Yuhui and Huang Jian had also been scouted by prestigious schools?

Surprise flickered in Wang Jue’s eyes as he gazed out the window. Three students at the seventh level of body refinement, and two were already chosen; did that mean Zhu Lei would be next?

Lin Yuan and Four Golds’ conversation drew the attention of nearby classmates. A bespectacled boy spoke in a sour tone, “I bet it’s not just those two. I reckon almost all of our school’s top ten have been noticed by high schools. It’s just a matter of which one they’ll pick. Why does fortune never smile on me?”

“Give it up,” scoffed a buzz-cut student. “You’re just an ordinary guy, stop dreaming about becoming a martial artist. You know why those guys are chosen? Because they have what it takes. People like us shouldn’t chase wild dreams—better to focus on studying and aim for a good college.”

The buzz-cut student’s words brought a hint of anger to the bespectacled boy’s face, but he didn’t retort. Perhaps he knew deep down those words rang true.

Just then, a girl with a few freckles on her cheeks suddenly asked, “Luoshui is one of the top ten—do you think she’s been scouted by a high school?”

“Come on, is that even a question? Anyone with a brain knows the answer.” Four Golds rolled his eyes, then glanced nervously at Luoshui’s side, making sure she wasn’t paying attention. He lowered his voice, “Apart from those three at the seventh level, who else in our school could challenge her? Her ‘Mother Tyrannosaurus’ nickname didn’t come out of nowhere.”

“Don’t drag us down with you!” Lin Yuan grinned wickedly. “Don’t you know Luoshui hates being called that? If she hears you, you’ll get beaten up again.”

“Uh…” Four Golds’ face froze, recalling past beatings, and he shut his mouth tightly, refusing to say another word.

Both Lin Yuan and Four Golds, along with a few other boys present, had all suffered Luoshui’s wrath at some point. A hint of awkwardness appeared on their faces.

On the surface, Luoshui looked like a delicate girl, but her fiery temper and brash personality rivaled any boy’s—and she was ruthless when she struck.

Most of the boys in class had been beaten by her at least once; Lin Yuan and Four Golds, more than most.

After a moment of silence, Four Golds muttered, “You talk as if I’m the only one who’s been beaten. If we’re counting hits, none of us can compete with you, Grandpa Lin.”

He’d been beaten plenty, but Lin Yuan even more so. How did he have the nerve to speak?

“I…” Lin Yuan nearly choked on Four Golds’ words, unsure how to retort.

The bespectacled boy interjected at the right moment, “If you don’t want another beating, I suggest you stop talking, lest Luoshui overhear.”

His words gave Lin Yuan and Four Golds an easy out.

Unexpectedly, Luoshui, who had been lost in her thoughts, suddenly turned her head and asked suspiciously, “Overhear what?”

“Nothing, nothing.”

Perhaps Luoshui’s reputation intimidated them; everyone shook their heads in perfect unison.

“Really?”

“Really!”

“You’re not lying?”

“How could we dare lie to you!”

“Alright then, if there’s nothing, forget it.” Luoshui pursed her lips and shifted her gaze to Wang Jue, who was turned toward the window. Without preamble, she reached out and poked his arm a few times. “Little Jue, what are you doing staring outside instead of listening to class?”

“The teacher’s stuff I already know. Makes no difference whether I listen or not.” Wang Jue turned to look at Luoshui, who had withdrawn her hand, and replied irritably, “Where do you get off criticizing me? I can swear my grades in next month’s exams won’t be bad—can you say the same?”

“I… Of course I can’t.” Luoshui spoke with the bravado of a coward.

Wang Jue’s mouth twitched; he was too lazy to argue the point and changed the subject. “So, have you decided?”

“Not yet. I plan to ask my parents tonight before I make up my mind.” Luoshui shook her head, then suddenly her eyes brightened. “Oh, I almost forgot—my martial arts school is recruiting these days. Want to join me? The coach can teach us martial skills.”

Luoshui’s offer struck Wang Jue’s weak spot. He was indeed lacking in martial skills. He had planned to ask the school director for some, but recent events had delayed him, and he hadn’t had the chance.

After a moment’s silence, Wang Jue asked, “How much is the enrollment fee at your school?”

“Not expensive—ten thousand a month.” Luoshui grinned.

“… ” Hearing the price, Wang Jue refused flatly, “Forget it, I can’t afford it.”

Normally, he wouldn’t have declined. For martial artists, improving meant not only cultivation, but also acquiring martial skills.

Unfortunately, these were difficult times. His aunt’s family owed more than a hundred thousand in high-interest loans. His parents had emptied their savings, and even his six-thousand subsidy wasn’t enough. Where would he get money for martial arts school now?

“No way, how could you not afford it? Didn’t you just get your subsidy yesterday?” Luoshui’s beautiful eyes widened in confusion.

Wang Jue sighed. “It’s complicated. Let’s just say I’m broke for now.”

“Little Jue, why didn’t you tell me if you needed money? I have money! How much do you need? I’ll lend it to you…” Luoshui said hurriedly.

Before she finished, Wang Jue interrupted, “No need. With luck, things will be sorted out tomorrow. Save your money for cultivation resources and aim to reach the seventh level of body refinement before the exams next month.”

Wang Jue knew that with their relationship, Luoshui would lend him money if he asked. He hadn’t asked—not because he was afraid of owing her a favor, but because he considered it a family matter.

Besides, yesterday Lan Yiyi had told him that the man he defeated carried a bounty of three hundred fifty thousand.

It was not a huge sum for the wealthy, but for Wang Jue’s struggling family, it was a fortune.

He trusted Lan Yiyi had no reason to deceive him. He just needed to get a bank card after school, send the number over, and she would transfer the money soon enough.

That’s why he never considered borrowing from Luoshui.

“Alright then.” Luoshui could only drop the matter.

By coincidence, Wang Jue and Luoshui had barely finished speaking when the dismissal bell rang.

“Ring, ring, ring…” The teacher began packing up his materials, his expression stern as he warned, “Go straight home after school these days. Don’t go out unless necessary. It’s not safe.”

He didn’t say why, then left the classroom with his books in hand.

After he left, the class erupted in discussion.

“I’ve never seen the teacher so serious before—scary!”

“Do you think something happened?”

“No idea.”

“Obviously something did. Otherwise, why would he say that?”

“If the teacher says so, he must have his reasons.”

“Exactly…”

Like most of his classmates, Wang Jue was baffled. He thought back over the past few days, but nothing significant had happened, as far as he knew.

Just then, Luoshui, who had already packed up, slung her backpack over one shoulder and walked to Wang Jue’s side, bumping his arm and whispering, “Stop guessing. I’ll tell you—the truth is, some bounty criminals from other safe zones have snuck into ours. I heard they’ve killed quite a few people.”

“How do you know about this?” Wang Jue was surprised.

Luoshui smiled triumphantly. “I heard it from some seniors at my martial arts school. Not sure if those criminals are just passing through or here to stir up trouble.”

Wang Jue was silent.

The martial arts school was truly a hub for information.

If only it weren’t so expensive.

After Wang Jue finished packing, he and Luoshui left the classroom together.

When they reached the school gate, Luoshui didn’t walk home with Wang Jue as usual. Instead, she waved goodbye and, to Wang Jue’s confusion, walked toward a blue floating sports car parked by the entrance.

Through the window, Wang Jue saw the driver—a glamorous woman with wavy hair and dark sunglasses.

Noticing Luoshui, the woman smiled and beckoned, “Here, it’s getting late. Let’s head out.”

“Sister Huang, do you think Coach will teach me a new martial skill tonight?” Luoshui asked eagerly as she got in, her eyes full of hope.

The woman, addressed as Sister Huang, replied impatiently, “You little rascal, you haven’t learned to crawl but want to run? If you want to learn new skills, you have to master the basics first, or Coach won’t teach you.”

“Hehe…” Luoshui laughed sheepishly, then leaned out the window and shouted, “Little Jue, be careful on your way home. I’m off to the martial arts school with Sister Huang!”

Wang Jue waved to show he understood.

As for Sister Huang, she ignored him completely, as if no one but Luoshui existed in her world.

The next moment, the floating sports car started up and soon vanished from Wang Jue’s sight…